NCERT Book Class 10 Science Chapter 3 Metals and Non-metals

CHAPTER 3
Metals and Non-metals

I n Class IX you have learnt about various elements. You have seen
that elements can be classified as metals or non-metals on the basis of
their properties.
n Think of some uses of metals and non-metals in your daily life.
n What properties did you think of while categorising elements
as metals or non-metals?
n How are these properties related to the uses of these elements?
Let us look at some of these properties in detail.

3.1 PHYSIC AL PROPERTIES
3.1.1 Metals
The easiest way to start grouping substances is by comparing their
physical properties. Let us study this with the help of the following
activities. For performing Activities 3.1 to 3.6, collect the samples of
following metals – iron, copper, aluminium, magnesium, sodium, lead,
zinc and any other metal that is easily available.

Activity 3.1
n Take samples of iron, copper, aluminium and magnesium. Note
the appearance of each sample.
n Clean the surface of each sample by rubbing them with sand paper
and note their appearance again.

Metals, in their pure state, have a shining surface. This property is
called metallic lustre.

Activity 3.2
n Take small pieces of iron, copper, aluminium, and magnesium.
Try to cut these metals with a sharp knife and note your
observations.
n Hold a piece of sodium metal with a pair of tongs.
CAUTION: Always handle sodium metal with care. Dry it by
pressing between the folds of a filter paper.
n Put it on a watch-glass and try to cut it with a knife.
n What do you observe?